According to the Williams Institute, 3.5% of American adults identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. That equates to about 9 million lesbian, gay, or bisexual Americans, roughly the population of New Jersey. Even with this massive amount of homosexuals, the right to marry was denied. Is it for the sole reason that they like the same sex, is that really the reason why they can't marry the person they love? Or is it precisely because they are not seen as normal human beings that they are a freak of nature? This is certainly not the case. Homosexuals are normal people, just like you and me. Even Michelangelo, one of the most admired and honored artists of all time, was gay (“Michelangelo”). Knowing this, same-sex marriage should be legalized nationwide. For many same-sex couples, the main reason fueling their desire to be officially recognized as a married couple is for the benefits that come with it. But unfortunately they cannot enjoy these benefits, such as taxation and inheritance rights, that heterosexual couples have the luxury of enjoying. For example, if one person in a same-sex relationship dies, the other person has no right to inherit their deceased loved one's old assets unless they have left a will stating that their assets will be inherited by their living loved one. . On October 2, 2009, The New York Times concluded that "same-sex couples denied spousal benefits will incur additional expenses of $41,196 to $467,562 over their lifetimes compared to a married heterosexual couple" ("Arguments pros and cons: 'Should gay marriage be legal?'”) As they are denied health care privileges, additional costs that they would not need to pay if they were married will come listed... half of the document (riage.procon.org). Although I recognize the fact that homosexuals cannot reproduce, this is not a big problem because as of September 30, 2011 approximately 400,540 children are in foster care and same-sex couples can adopt them ("How many children are in foster care in the United States? In my state?"). Many also oppose homosexuality because it is a sin, but it seems that many do not remember that comparing oneself to others, disrespecting parents, and committing adultery are also sins. Given these reasons, same-sex marriages should be legalized. I don't understand why we need our entire nation to vote on whether or not a couple can get married because they are homosexual. Love has no boundaries, no restrictions, as it is free for all to experience, so support the legalization of same-sex marriage.